Pittsburgh Review

Early in the second period of Pittsburgh's 3-2 victory over the Islanders on Sunday at PPG Paints Arena, Sidney Crosby drew a tripping call. During the ensuing power play, he achieved a significant milestone by setting up Michael Bunting to record his 1,034th career assist. This accomplishment allowed Crosby to surpass Mario Lemieux and become the Penguins' all-time assists leader.

"Just being able to play with the guys that I’ve played with over the years, it’s a testament to them," said Crosby, who took a photo with Bunting and the milestone puck in the locker room postgame. "It’s been a lot of fun, and hopefully, I can keep getting more here."

Lemieux congratulated Crosby in a statement: "I want to congratulate Sid on setting the team’s assist record. He’s an amazing player and we’re so fortunate to have him in Pittsburgh. I look forward to even more great things from him."

Crosby now ranks 12th for most assists in NHL history. Only three players have recorded more assists with a single team: Ray Bourque (1,111 with Boston), Wayne Gretzky (1,086 with Edmonton), and Steve Yzerman (1,063 with Detroit). For Crosby, joining Lemieux is particularly meaningful due to Lemieux's significant role in his career.

As Crosby reflected when he tied Lemieux's record: "I dreamed of playing in the NHL and I’m grateful for that, for all these years. I don’t think about where I am on the list. But to be with Mario is pretty cool. I never would have expected that." He humorously noted that Lemieux was more efficient in reaching his total in fewer games: "He did it in about 400 less games... I had a bit of a head start," Crosby laughed.

In the game sequence leading up to Bunting's goal, Phil Tomasino passed the puck to Crosby behind the net. With his backhand pass from behind the net, Crosby set up Bunting at the bottom of the circle for a goal past Islanders goalie Marcus Hogberg.

Bunting jokingly commented on whether he called for Crosby's pass: "Yeah. I told him where to go and... no. No," Bunting said smilingly. "He’s done it so many times. He has eyes on the back of his head, and he knew I was there."

Penguins Head Coach Mike Sullivan praised Crosby's skills: "He makes so many plays on his backhand; he's just so creative," Sullivan said. "The accomplishment, the milestone that he's reached – this is just more evidence of an amazing career. He's just an elite player."

Previously credited only with a secondary assist during their first game against New York Islanders on Long Island, league officials later adjusted records attributing Rickard Rakell as having provided it solely.

Crosby acknowledged breaking Lemieux's record twice felt unusual but ultimately positive: "Glad I was able to do it here. It's a win." The crowd responded enthusiastically when announced via PA system—giving standing ovations while fellow players tapped sticks acknowledging such achievement too!

Expressing appreciation afterward receiving First Star honors alongside expressing gratitude toward fans present numbering approximately 18k-plus attendees—the Penguins continue positioning themselves competitively playoff contention since late November having improved their overall performance stats significantly since then!

"It definitely means a lot," stated after being named First Star interview postgame events unfolded fully demonstrating ongoing support received throughout years prior continuing providing fans reasons cheer moving forward remainder season ahead...